Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

P Pack Hacker Lauren Maternowski · reviewer

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L’s name doesn’t sound particularly impressive when you first hear it. However, if you dig a little deeper into this backpack’s history, you’ll see it has pedigree. Four iterations should do the trick, right? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for because they’ve made substantial changes to the Outbreaker it’s replacing.

If you’re in the market for a new travel backpack this might be the one! And you can’t get better than Patagonia’s iron clad guarantees either. I much rather use backpacks than carry on luggage especially for trips where I’m backpacking. @Patagonia #patagonia #patagoniablackhole #travel #carryonbag #backpack #edc #whatsinmybag Patagonia Black Hole Backpack: The Ultimate Travel Companion.

As for a review for the Tortuga, it was a superb carry experience. The straps and back panel were well cushioned and the ease of stowing away the straps before boarding, very convenient! Didn't touch the load lifters so it's probably even more comfortable when fully tuned right. Sternum strap helped with carrying the weight, I didn't use the hip belt but may try it out next time.

W Will YouTube review · Feb 2024

“I literally love this bag, been everywhere with me, it can be compressed totally with straps, and Im using it with osprey daylite 20L as combo which can be compressed to laptop bag size (I was using it under legs and Farpoint above head compartment. I got more simple now onboard, small fanny with powerbank phone etc and diet coke from vend or duty free. Even stuffed and double heavy over limit, it does not get any suspicion, I had it hanging just on one shoulder and even in situations, where staff literally checked everyone going through door, and sending poor selected ppl on side, they did not bother with us (but never flied with Ryanair for example). Problem is, its bag more for outdoorsy trips.

N NomadGear Article

The rigid build has a real cost. It makes the bag heavier empty than a soft duffel-style pack, and it gets noticeably heavy once you load it to 40L. A common complaint is the top carry handle: it sits off to one side near the laptop compartment instead of centered, so a full bag feels unbalanced when you grab it one-handed in a terminal.